SF | Deep aubergine colour, just a hint of garnet at the rim. The nose is magnificent in its generosity, unfailing in its complex diversity; black tea suddenly morphs into licorice and then we are bac to cassis and acacia; a most engaging feast of expectation. The palate is equally seductive, with Cabernet Franc tobacco complexity to the fore, behind that plummy ripeness, then notes of Assam tea, incense and summer flowers. Unfailingly generous, always challenging, food for thought, one may infer from name and the taste alike. Excellent. 94
AJ | Dark, dense, purple-black, though less saturated than many. Warm and attractive, with almost baked-plum note. It's attractive, but it's unusual in this vintage -- a total contrast, for example, to La Conseillante. Lively, fresh, balanced and poised: lots of plum fruits with some textural ballast and very ripe acidity. Delicious and satisfying, but there seems to be a bigger gap than usual between Pensees and Lafleur this year, and I think this will be a sound near-term to mid-term choice in 2020.Drink Dates: 2027 - 2031.